Adolescence: A Heavyweight British Drama Worth Every Minute

Every now and then, a series comes along that quietly drops onto Netflix and then proceeds to punch you right in the soul. Adolescence is one of those. It's a gripping, slow-burn British drama that doesn't just tug at your heartstrings—it plays them like a cello in a murder trial.

Set in the aftermath of a chilling crime—a 13-year-old boy accused of killing a classmate - Adolescence isn’t really a whodunit. It’s a what now? A psychological deep-dive into family, grief, guilt, and the messiness of growing up. And honestly, it’s brilliant.

Stephen Graham leads the cast as Eddie Miller, the boy’s father, bringing the kind of quiet intensity that makes you forget you're watching a TV show and not eavesdropping on someone’s worst week ever. Graham said it best himself in an interview with Netflix: “It’s about the ripple effects of a single event on a family and a community, and how we deal with trauma and seek redemption.” It shows.

Critics are raving too. Lucy Mangan at The Guardian called it “the closest thing to TV perfection in decades”, which is high praise from someone who’s seen a lot of TV. The show also made history by becoming the first Netflix series to top UK broadcast TV ratings. That's not just buzz - that’s cultural impact.

But don’t worry, Adolescence isn’t here to lecture. It’s here to pull you in with magnetic performances, grounded storytelling, and the kind of emotional weight that sticks with you. If you’ve ever liked series like Broadchurch, The Stranger, or Happy Valley, this one’s going to hit the spot - then probably bruise it a little.

Curious? You should be. Watch the trailer below and see for yourself.